Cycling Ireland begins U23 Irish team open selection process

*The Irish U23 team has in recent years ridden the Tour de l'Avenir, Europeans and Worlds and a whole host of other races. You can now express your interest in being part of the set-up*

Cycling Ireland is seeking expressions of interest from riders who want to become part of the U23 national team later in the season.

While racing at home and abroad is halted due to the coronavirus, it is likely that halt in action will not wipe out the whole season.

And Cycling Ireland has now opened the squad to expressions
of interest from riders; a process in which those riders interested can step
forward and register that interest.

While it is unclear how much of the season can be saved, this expression of interest round should still be availed of by any rider who wants to count themselves into the selection process.

“Cycling Ireland would like to invite all U23 riders to
complete an expression of interest form for U23 programmes in 2020,” the federation
said in a statement.

“The expression of interest is to make programme
management and coaches aware of all riders in the U23 age category who are
eligible to represent Cycling Ireland.”

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Applicants must have “a commitment to continuously
improve themselves” and be available to attend regular seminars and training
workshops.

Cycling Ireland has also set out specific criteria that
all applicants must satisfy:

Athletes born in the years 1998 to 2001
Desire to work towards being an elite cyclist
Male and Female athletes
Previous competition experience is preferable
In good physical health

Riders who are interested in expressing their interest in
being part of the U23 programme must complete an application form, which is
available at this link.

While there is significant uncertainty at this time due
to the Covid19 crisis riders should not be deterred from stepping forward and
applying.

A number of races that the U23 team take part in are
already cancelled or postponed but other major races such as the Europeans and World
Championships are months away.

Even if riders do not make the U23 team this year,
expressing an interest now would be a good way of engaging with the set-up
towards selection in the next few years.

Good luck to all.